In the world of scouting, the Eredivisiehas always been an interesting league for midfield-prospects. The league’s historical emphasis on positional play has produced some elite midfielders such as Frenkie De Jong or Martin Odegaard.
The Eredivisie has a new generation of young midfielders playing in its stadiums, ready for the next step. In this piece, I’ll profile three talents who deserve a spot on every scout’s watchlist.
Kodai Sano, 22, NEC Nijmegen
Kodai Sano has evolved into a cornerstone of the NEC Nijmegen midfield during this 2025/26 campaign. The 22-year-old Japanese midfielder is the definition of a “springy” box-to-box presence. He combines relentless energy with high-level technical security. His low center of gravity makes him exceptionally difficult to dispossess in tight spaces.
Sano’s statistical profile is elite in several key defensive and retention metrics. He wins a staggering 73.3% of his duels (93rd percentile) and records 6.64 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. This defensive efficiency is paired with high-volume dribbling, where his 1.88 successful dribbles per 90 minutes place him in the 94th percentile of Eredivise midfielders.
Tactically, Sano can do anything. He functions effectively in several roles. Out-of-possession, his work rate is immense; he tracks runners intelligently and excels in counter-pressing situations, frequently winning second balls to sustain attacks. When NEC has the ball, he looks to progress play through both carries and forward passing, though he prefers shorter combination play.
His main limitations are physical and technical specializations. He is significantly one-footed (right) and lacks the raw power required to dominate in large, open spaces. Furthermore, his aerial presence is also a noted weakness. Despite this, his ability to defend out wide against agile wingers (helped by his quick feet) makes him a very reliable defensive asset.
Sano is a well-balanced midfielder whose blend of mental awareness and technical ball control allows him to dictate the middle of the pitch. While he has certain physical limitations, his high volume of interceptions and successful duels make him a dream for high-pressing systems. Sano is ready for the next step. A move to a top Bundesliga-side or a mid-table team in the Premier League would suit him well and prepare him for a move to the absolute european elite. I’m sure that he has the potential to become an elite midfielder.
Luciano Valente, 22, Feyenoord Rotterdam
Luciano Valente is a creative powerhouse for Feyenoord, operating primarily as a central or attacking midfielder. At 22, he has become one of the most potent progressors in the Eredivisie, characterized by “ridiculous” short passing quality and a level of vision that can unlock the most compact low blocks.
Valente’s data highlights his status as an elite creator. He ranks in the 94th percentile for through balls (0.27 per 90) and the 93rd percentile for passes into the final third. His overall “passing threat created” stands at 94% (https://wtanalysisdashboard.streamlit.app/). Unlike many playmakers, Valente is also a powerful ball carrier, often driving through the center to start counter-attacks.
Tactically, Valente is best utilized when he can touch the ball as often as possible. He frequently receives the ball in the left half-space before cutting inside to find a decisive pass. He is also highly effective at crashing the box, where his height allows him to be a goal threat.
However, Valente remains a “luxury” player in some defensive phases. He is often clumsy in defensive duels and struggles to position his body correctly to defend space. His duel engagement is low, and he can be prone to turnovers when attempting “optimistic” passes. For a team that dominates possession, these flaws are secondary but it’s something to be considered. His defensive inabilities are however in no way down to his defensive work rate. He gets stuck in tackles and is very commited to the task.
Valente is a high-ceiling playmaker who excels in build-up and the final third. His progressive numbers are outstanding. I see him as a Segundo Volante (to put it in Football Manager terms) or a even a No. 8/10. While his out-of-possession deficiencies mean he requires a solid defensive partner, his creative “bag” makes him one of the most exciting offensive midfielders in the Netherlands.
Stije Resink, 22, FC Groningen
Stije Resink is a robust, all-round midfielder who has been a standout performer for FC Groningen. Standing with a strong, filled-out frame, the 22-year-old brings a physical presence to the midfield that is often missing in technical players. He is a high-volume dueller who gets stuck in with a remarkable success rate.
Statistically, Resink is really good in the air and on the ground. He wins 77.7% of his duels (99th percentile) and 71.2% of his aerial duels (93rd percentile). His ball recovery rate (89th percentile) and successful dribble rate (90th percentile) showcase a player who can both win the ball and immediately transition into an attack.
Resink’s game is built on high-quality passing and a constant desire to play forward. He carries a lot of responsibility in build-up, frequently picking up the ball from his defenders. His first touch is consistently good which is down to his technical security but also his constant scanning before receiving the ball. Tactically, he can fulfil a lot of different profiles. For Groningen he often starts in the left half-space but frequently looks to crash the box to contribute to the goal threat.
His main areas for improvement involve his temperament. Resink can be rash in challenges, leading to unnecessary fouls and penalties. His long-range passing accuracy is inconsistent, and he occasionally clears the ball under pressure when a more composed pass is available.
Resink possesses a rare combination of physical dominance and technical security. His ability to cover large distances, win aerial duels, and progress the ball via carries makes him a prototype for a Premier League midfielder. While he needs to refine his decision-making in the defensive third, his current trajectory suggests he is a high-floor prospect capable of playing for a top-tier European side. His weaknesses are in no way a cause for concern in a young central midfielder.
